Hooked on Hydroponics Awards

Elementary School Level: Six (12) award packages

If you're interested in applying for this grant, you'll need to make sure that your facility can accommodate indoor gardening equipment. Here's what you need to do:

1) Electical load. In the equipment package descriptions listed below you will find approximate amperage for that package. Check with your facilities manager to determine if the electrical curcuit you're planning to use can safely accommodate the electrical loads of the equipment.

2) Light fixture support. The fixtures must be suspended over the growing units

Wondering which hydroponic system is suited to your classroom?

To help you decide, we provide equipment descriptions for packages that were awarded in 2007, and ideas for classroom activities for the various award packages. The packages awarded in 2008 may vary from these specific components, but will be similar in size and application.

The table below contains a brief overview of package characteristics. For more detailed descriptions of components and suggestions for classroom use, please follow the "details" links under the heading "Package Name":

Package Name	Equipment Dimensions	Growing Area Dimensions	Appropriate Plants	Misc. Notes
E-1 (details)	2 growing units: each measures 14" dia. x 2' H	3' x 3' primary growing area; low light plants will thrive on perimeter	Large, deep-rooted plants that take time to develop (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, houseplants)	Fixture requires a support that can hold 40 lbs.
E-2 (details)	2 growing units: each measures 16" W x 16" L x 14.4" H	2 light units: each provides a 2' x 2' growing area	leafy greens, lettuce, herbs, compact "patio" vegetable varieties	Each fixture requires hanger that can hold 10 lbs.
E-3 (details)	2 growing units: each measures 16" W x 24" L	2 light units: each provides a 2' x 2' growing area	vegetable crops and most flowering plants	Each fixture requires hanger that can hold 10 lbs.

 

Package E-1 Classroom Uses and Equipment Details

Classroom Uses
With package E-1, your class can grow deep-rooted plants that take time to mature and need lots of light, such as tomatoes, peppers, and many flowering plants. It is not the preferred package for growing plants that mature quickly, such as lettuce, greens, and fast-growing herbs.

Equipment Details

• small, heavy, compact light with an internal ballast and tempered lens
• fully UL and CSA listed for use in damp locations
• provides intense light for a 3-by-3-foot primary growing area; plants that require less light will thrive outside of the primary area.
• light penetrates to 2 to 3 feet, providing adequate light levels to plants' lower leaves
• (1) grounded, 15A programmable 24-hour timer, and

Two (2) General Hydroponics Power Grower Systems (drip method) and accessories

• each unit is a single, decorative pot; ideal for large plants
• pump delivers nutrient solution to roots via a drip mechanism
• also includes: plant nutrients, pH test kit, LECA growing medium, air pump, complete instructions, and an assortment of vegetable and flower seeds

Approximate retail value for each package: $442.00.

 

Package E-2 Classroom Uses and Equipment Details

Classroom Uses
Lettuce, herbs, and small patio vegetable varieties will thrive in the Garden of Ease system under the compact fluorescent lights provided. For best results, plants should be within 24 inches of the lights.

Each package includes two growing units, allowing for side-by-side trials or friendly classroom competitions. Consider testing different nutrient or pH levels, number of light hours, water temperatures, and any other variables students are curious to investigate. Challenge teams to see whose indoor garden can produce the first flower or ripe tomato, the greatest amount of vegetables, or the most flavorful lettuce and herbs.

Equipment Details

Two (2) 125-watt Hydrofarm compact fluorescent Daylight Systems

Two (2) Sunleaves Garden of Ease hydroponic systems and accessories

Approximate retail value for each package: $470.00.

 

Package E-3 Equipment Details & Classroom Uses

Classroom Uses
Lettuce, herbs, and small patio vegetable varieties will thrive in the Emily's Garden system under the compact fluorescent lights provided. For best results, plants should be within 24 inches of the lights. Recommended for growing a wide variety of herbs and flowers.

Like Package E-2, this package includes two growing units, allowing for side-by-side trials or friendly competitions. See description above for activity suggestions.

Equipment Details

Two (2) 125-watt Hydrofarm compact fluorescent Daylight Systems

• lightweight, compact fluorescent grow light with attached ballast and tempered lens
• provides light for a 2-by-2-foot growing area
• fully UL/CSA-listed for use in damp locations
• (1) grounded, 15A programmable 24-hour timer, and

Two (2) Emily’s Garden hydroponic systems (passive wicking) and accessories

• measures 16 by 24 inches; holds 6 plants
• aerating pump ensures nutrient solution contains plenty of oxygen so roots can absorb nutrients and water as needed
• also includes: pH test kit, LECA growing medium, air pump, wicks, complete instructions, and an assortment of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.

Approximate retail value for each package: $425.00

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